In 2007 we were commissioned by NHS Halton and St Helens PCT to operate a six-month pilot in the Halton borough. Local GPs continue to use it today to great benefit.

How the Single Point of Access (SPA) service works

The SPA is nurse-led and operates from Halton General Hospital.

• A GP/ health professional decides that a patient needs intervention of some sort to assist with their care. This can be a medical assessment, community visits of various kinds, home treatment, equipment hire or, if necessary, hospital admission.
• Instead of having to contact the various services themselves, they can dial the SPA on 0845 070 8797.
• The initial call is taken by a call handler and a nurse will then take the call forward dealing with clinical issues which may arise, assisted by the call handler wherever possible.
• As most patients prefer not to be admitted to hospital, the SPA will seek information during the GP’s initial call and contact other services to ascertain if an admission to hospital can be avoided, unless it is deemed absolutely necessary.
• The patient is kept updated by the SPA and, if requested, the GP too.

What are benefits for GPs and patients?

• GP only has to make one phone call
• GP has more time to see patients or carry out other work
• If requested, GP can be kept updated and made aware of problems
• Patient can receive treatment at home